Flood Response Capability (3)

Anne Clarke: The London Safety Plan says, “London Fire Brigade will: Procure, store and mobilise flood prevention equipment in collaboration with local authorities and the Environment Agency so that it can undertake flood prevention activities”. What flood prevention equipment has been procured since March 2017 when the London Safety Plan was published?

The Mayor: Since March 2017, 500 metres of flood barriers have been procured by London Fire Brigade (LFB) and can now be mobilised from the Brigade’s Operational Support Centre in Croydon in order to protect critical infrastructure, such as London Underground stations. In addition, 250 metres of flood barriers can now be mobilised on Finchley fire station’s Operational Support Unit. Five flood rescue powerboats and associated equipment for flood rescue teams have also been procured, aligning LFB to national flood response standards and enhancing national flood response capabilities. A total of 142 ejector pumps have also been procured to ensure there is one on every fire engine in London. This is a new capability which enables crews to pump water out of confined spaces whilst protecting them from exposure to toxic gases. Environmental and Damage Control resource packs are on all Operational Support Units to improve damage control and salvage capabilities.

Public toilets in TfL stations (2)

Onkar Sahota: Do you have an update on TfL’s plans to make available an online, interactive map of the locations, opening times and accessibility of its toilets?

The Mayor: The TfL Go app includes information about toilets located in Transport for London (TfL) stations. This information can be accessed by tapping a station on the map. TfL shows information about accessible toilets and baby changing facilities, whether a fee is payable for third party facilities, whether toilets are located inside or outside the gateline and, in some instances, an approximate location. TfL is collecting new data on opening times and toilet locations for London Underground stations, which it expects to complete by the end of the year. This data will be added to TfL Go once available in a suitable format. TfL is also looking at enhancements to the static Tube toilet map.

Flood Response Capability (1)

Anne Clarke: The London Safety Plan says, “London Fire Brigade will: Review the number of flood response teams it has”. Can you provide me with details of the review, including how many flood response teams there were before the review and how many there are now?

The Mayor: London Fire Brigade (LFB) previously had one declared flood response team as defined by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Flood rescue concept of operations. Following LFB’s Flood Enhancement Project, this will be increased to three teams. Recruitment of responders is pending contractual agreements being reached with representative bodies, at which point the additional teams can be brought into operation.

Public toilets in TfL stations (4)

Onkar Sahota: Are all the public toilets on the TfL network open for the full duration of operating hours?

The Mayor: Where possible, toilets on the Transport for London (TfL) network are unlocked throughout the hours that a service is operating. However, at some stations, misuse and antisocial behaviour mean that it is sometimes necessary to lock toilets at certain times of day to ensure that they remain clean and safe for customers to use. At these times, customers can still use the toilets by requesting access from a member of staff, or by using a RADAR key at some locations. TfL is currently compiling information about which stations operate toilets with specific opening hours and is reviewing ways this can be communicated to customers to support their journey planning.

IOPC Report on Taser Use (1)

Caroline Pidgeon: The IOPC’s recent report on taser use, published on 25 August, raised serious concerns around taser use by police services across the UK, making 17 recommendations for improvements including in areas such as training and scrutiny of taser use. How are you working with the Met and MOPAC to ensure action is taken on all of the recommendations relating to their responsibilities?

The Mayor: The use of force is a regular item at MOPAC’s Oversight Board, where the use of Taser is scrutinised and challenged where necessary. The recommendations from the Report have been discussed as part of this. The recommendations will be subject to more detailed conversations with the Commissioner and Senior Officers in the MPS, ensuring, where appropriate, they are taken forward.
The MPS is currently reviewing all the recommendations individually to identify where it can improve. This process is being overseen by the MPS Taser Governance Board which is chaired by Commander Kyle Gordon.
In addition, the MPS Taser Team continue to review all Taser ‘Firings’ by MPS Taser officers. Lead Taser Instructors conduct the reviews, capturing organisational and operational learning. This learning is used to shape ongoing training for all Taser officers.
It is important to remember that any use of force has to be justified by the officer involved, in addition, data on such use is collected and published by the MPS.

384 bus (3)

Anne Clarke: The recent review into the performance of the new 384 bus route indicated there were alternative options for providing bus services around Station Road and Gloucester Road in New Barnet. These alternatives have not been accepted – what is the reason for this, and what was the outcome of the public consultation on returning bus services to this area?

The Mayor: A number of alternative options have been examined by Transport for London to further reroute or simplify route 384 and other services to cover roads that are no longer served by the new route 384. These options did not increase benefit sufficiently, having taken into account the potential equality and other impacts, to justify the additional cost of operating the service, and therefore have not been progressed.

Pedicabs (1)

Caroline Pidgeon: What current discussions you are having with Government on regulating pedicabs in London?

The Mayor: The Second Reading of Nickie Aiken MP’s Private Members Pedicabs (London) Bill is scheduled for 19 November 2021. Transport for London (TfL) officers are supporting Department for Transport (DfT) officials in their preparations as the Bill progresses. The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport stated earlier this year that the Government is open to seeking opportunities to introduce legislation that allows the regulation of pedicabs in London, and I await the Bill’s Second Reading with interest.
Baroness Vere’s written response to Baroness Stowell of Beeston’s question is available on the Parliament website: https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2021-05-12/hl196

Pedicabs (2)

Caroline Pidgeon: Many residents, particularly in Westminster, are concerned and frustrated with the level of noise from pedicabs playing music. How are you working with boroughs and the Met to address the significant levels of noise disturbance that come from many pedicabs?

The Mayor: This is an ongoing challenge stemming from a lack of clear legal framework. The Government has previously indicated its willingness to put forward legislation on this matter and TfL and I continue to lobby the Government to do so.
In the meantime, our focus is on enforcement using the existing powers that the MPS, local authorities and TfL have. These partners continue to work together to enforce against dangerous, obstructive and antisocial pedicabs.

Safety near Carshalton Ponds (2)

Caroline Pidgeon: Given the increase in speeding vehicles outside rush-hour times on the A232 and the narrowness of the road by Carshalton Ponds, will TfL consider introducing a 20mph speed limit on the stretch of road from the junction with West Street and the junction with Park Lane (or, indeed, for a longer section of the road), enforced by rumble strips and average speed cameras?

The Mayor: Please see my response to Mayor’s Question 2021/3989.

Safety near Carshalton Ponds (3)

Caroline Pidgeon: What feasibility work is TfL carrying out to make the A232 around Carshalton Ponds and beyond safer for pedestrians, and to try to prevent future collisions, and damage to the railings around the ponds?

The Mayor: Please see my response to Mayor’s Question 2021/3989.

Covid-19 Response: Autumn and Winter Plan (2)

Elly Baker: If the Government re-introduces working from home guidance it, “would be seeking to reduce the transmission risk inside and outside of the workplace, including by reducing the number of people taking public transport”. What plans, if any, does TfL have in place for any future period when working from home is advised?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) would follow and support any guidance issued from the Government and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) if there was instruction for people to revert back to working from home.
As this instruction could potentially further impact its fare revenue, TfL is keen to ensure any future funding agreement with the Government continues the current ‘revenue true up’ mechanism, whereby the Government bears the risk of fluctuation in TfL’s passenger revenues as these are closely linked to measures introduced by the Government to respond to the pandemic.
TfL also continues to explore how it can recover from the pandemic, and become more financially resilient and less reliant on a funding model that is heavily dependent on fare revenue.

Bus Contracts and Consultations (1)

Len Duvall: Will TfL, in the light of discussions with Government, be changing the consultation period for bus contracts?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) is currently involved in high-level funding discussions with Government. However, I do not expect changes to individual services to be specified as part of the negotiations.
TfL will continue to consult on any structural changes to the bus network. It has no plans to change the length of consultation periods.

Bus Crash at Chimes Terrace, N8

Joanne McCartney: There was an accident at Chimes Terrace in Crouch End on 18/9/21 involving a 91 bus. Whilst we will all be relieved to hear no one was injured as a result of the crash, this incident is extremely worrying as a double-decker bus crashed into the property at 145 Tottenham Lane, opposite Chimes Terrace, in 2001.
I understand Haringey Council has contacted Transport for London, who have overall responsibility for the road network across London, regarding the safety of the roundabout on Tottenham Lane which is used by the 91 bus at the start of its route. Can we ensure the cooperation of TfL with Haringey Council to make this roundabout safer?

The Mayor: My thoughts are with those residents who were affected by what must have been a frightening experience, and I too am thankful nobody was hurt. A full investigation is underway with the operator, Metroline, and Transport for London (TfL) officers having visited the scene as part of that process. The roads in question are borough roads and, once the findings of the investigation are known, further discussion will take place between all parties to agree and implement any additional measures that might be required to prevent a repeat incident.

Bus infrastructure in the Clapham area

Caroline Pidgeon: I have received reports of issues with the cleanliness and levels of graffiti at bus stops in Clapham, alongside limited information on the existing display screens. What plans have you to improve the state of the existing bus infrastructure, as well as look to provide additional bus information screens in the area?

The Mayor: The problem of graffiti is one that affects every London borough. Since the pandemic began there has been a 300 per cent increase in graffiti incidents on bus stops and other Transport for London (TfL) assets. This has been exacerbated by an increase in stickering, often using super-strong glue. Finding effective solutions to graffiti goes beyond what TfL can achieve alone. TfL recently met representatives from Clapham Business Improvement District and the London Borough of Lambeth to explore what further can be done to improve the environment in and around Clapham High Street.
Despite the current financial constraints, a further £800,000 has been allocated to boosting graffiti removal and cleaning efforts across London. TfL has now moved 600 bus stops in high streets and at busy interchanges from a fortnightly cleaning schedule to being cleaned and cleared every week. Four bus stops in the Clapham area have benefitted from this enhanced cleaning regime.
TfL provides real time bus arrival information for Londoners through a number of channels and its research shows that most Londoners have access to internet enabled devices such as smartphones, which can be used to get this information. However, TfL recognises that bus arrival information continues to be highly valued by customers.
In the meantime, TfL does understand that there will be local requests for further signs. Providing the stop is suitable, London boroughs can purchase additional signs, using, for example, secured Section 106 funding. Borough representatives can email [emailprotected] with details of the bus stops they are interested in.

Grenfell Report

Anne Clarke: What action can you take to make sure the other agencies named in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 1 report implement the recommendations aimed at them?

The Mayor: I publish regular progress reports on the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 1 recommendations, and the actions I have taken to implement them, working with the London Fire Brigade and other organisations. These progress reports can be found here: https://www.london.gov.uk/about-us/mayor-london/grenfell-tower-inquiry-m....
At the time of writing, London Fire Brigade (LFB) has completed implementation of 23 of the 29 recommendations aimed at the Brigade or directed at fire and rescue services or emergency services more widely that includes LFB. The Brigade has a clear action plan for delivering the remaining recommendations, although some of these require further action at a national level before implementation can be completed. I monitor the Brigade’s progress closely and meet regularly with the London Fire Commissioner to discuss this, as does the Deputy Mayor for Fire and Resilience.
A further recommendation was aimed specifically at the Metropolitan Police Service and London Ambulance Service, which has also been completed. So, too, as has a recommendation aimed at the National Police Air Service.
15 recommendations were aimed at the Government or at building owners and managers. According to the Government’s most recent update on the Phase 1 recommendations, none of these have so far been completed, although a number of them will be addressed by upcoming regulation. The Government’s update can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/quarterly-thematic-update-on-....
I have called on the Government to implement these recommendations as soon as possible, and have written to building owners and managers to urge them to do the same.

Tube Noise (4)

Anne Clarke: Is there a list of any locations on the Tube and Overground network where alternative (not PVs) rail noise and vibration dampening devices or measures have been installed - indicating the month and year of installation?

The Mayor: Please see my answer to Mayor’s Question 2021/4144 for information on Transport for London’s (TfL’s) trial of alternative Delkor track fastenings.
In addition, despite the financial challenges TfL faces as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, it continues to invest in London Underground’s track renewal and maintenance, including a continuous programme of rail grinding and track modernisation. Rail grinding is currently TfL’s principal means of addressing Tube noise.
Despite its limited resource, TfL has undertaken a significant amount of noise and vibration-related rail grinding in the last six months (over 14,600 metres of rail). TfL also continues to carry out other targeted interventions to reduce noise, including the removal of redundant rail joints, the maintenance of points and crossings, and re-ballasting track where required and appropriate to the location.

Metroisation of Rail (2)

Elly Baker: How will metroisation allow more fast services to operate from outside of London?

The Mayor: Metroisation has six key elements: predictable services; better connections; more capacity; shorter journey times; a more reliable service; and better customer service and experience. Delivering metroisation is an incremental programme. It first seeks to make the best use of existing rail infrastructure, through the optimisation of timetables, the use of modern rolling stock with route-appropriate performance characteristics, and a focus on efficient operations, including carefully managed dwell times at stations. The capacity of the network can then be further expanded through the use of digital signalling technology and targeted infrastructure interventions such as grade separation of junctions. These interventions will create additional capacity for both metro and longer distance fast services. The precise allocation between the two will depend on demand and agreement with the relevant contracting authority.
More information can be found here: http://content.tfl.gov.uk/strategic-case-for-metroisation.pdf.

Tube Noise (5)

Anne Clarke: Has an evidence-based view been undertaken on the feasibility of replacing concrete sleepers with wooden sleepers (reverting to what was in place prior to the installation of concrete sleepers) at hotspots on the network where the introduction of concrete sleepers has created excessive (over 40 decibels) residential noise disturbance?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) no longer considers installing new timber sleepers on the network due to the difficulties in sourcing suitable sustainable materials, as well as the overall cost of timber sleepers compared to other types. Changing moisture levels also means that timber sleepers require regular expensive maintenance work to ensure that they remain in a safe condition.
TfL’s understanding of noise and vibration has increased significantly since the mid-2000s and impact on noise and vibration is now considered prior to the replacement of wooden sleepers. Noise and vibration have been important factors in the development of a new track form – slab track with resilient track fastenings - which has been introduced since 2015, and helps to reduce the amount of vibrational energy transmitted into the ground.

Rephasing of traffic lights Aldermans Hill/Cannon Hill Junction, Enfield

Joanne McCartney: I understand that TfL agreed in 2019 to amend signal timings at the junction of Aldermans Hill, Cannon Hill, Forestdale and Powys Lane to allow pedestrians more time to cross safely. This junction is next to a local park and is well used by pedestrians including parents and their children and the elderly. When will the promised re-timing of the traffic lights take place?

The Mayor: The London Borough of Enfield has requested a change to the traffic signal method of control which will remove the southbound left turn filter arrow from the phasing at this junction. The purpose of this change is to create a gap in the traffic so that pedestrians will have an opportunity to cross over Aldermans Hill when travelling to or from Broomfield Park. I’m pleased to confirm that Transport for London will be implementing the changes by the end of October 2021.

20th  Anniversary of the London Loop

Joanne McCartney: This year marks the 20th Anniversary of the London Loop, which brings joy to many Londoners through providing walking and hiking routes around London. Will you join me in congratulating The Ramblers on their work to establish it and campaigns to maintain and preserve it?

The Mayor: I congratulate the Ramblers on their work to establish, maintain and preserve the London Loop in this 20th anniversary year and thank the volunteers that continue to dedicate their time to the London Loop and other walking routes in London. During the pandemic, nearly a third of all walking trips were for leisure purposes as Londoners enjoyed the physical and mental health benefits of this activity.
To build on this momentum I made a commitment in my manifesto to develop a new plan to connect communities with parks and green spaces, which will include improving existing walking routes, such as the London Loop and Capital Ring. This is being taken forward by Transport for London (TfL) in collaboration with the Ramblers and other London Walking Forum partners.

Transport infrastructure affected by flooding (2)

Siân Berry: Thank you for your answer to my question 2021/3276. I note that some stations that were reported as not being served by trains in the media like Victoria were not in your answer. Can you list for the last seven years: a) what stations or other transport infrastructure had trains not stopping or suffered other flood impacts such as closing particular entrances, b) how long they were affected, and c) the dates they were affected?

The Mayor: The list of stations provided in response to Mayor’s Question 2021/3276 includes all stations fully closed as a result of flooding, not all stations or lines affected. The attached appendix summarises all incidents attributed to flooding in London Underground between 2018 and 2021. Transport for London (TfL)’s legacy data collection systems do not allow for comprehensive attribution of weather impacts to faults / delays before this time. TfL is currently exploring ways of improving its collation of data related to flooding on the transport network, including a pan-TfL review of the flooding incidents in July 2021.

The Mayor: 4097 Transport infrastructure affected by flooding (2) Sian Berry Appendix (LU SAFE Flooding Report 2018-2021).xlsx

BBC File on 4 Documentary on London Bus Driver Covid-19 Deaths

Keith Prince: On 28 September, BBC Radio 4 broadcast “Occupational Hazard: The bus drivers who died from Covid”, which featured interviews with former TfL Board Member and Safety Panel Chair Michael Liebreich, bus driver Kevin Mustafa and public health expert John Ashton, each stating that TfL and its bus contractors are largely to blame for the high fatality rate of bus drivers from Covid-19 which the UCL Institute of Health Equity reports continued long after the March 2020 lockdown.

Did you listen to the broadcast? What are your views on its main messages?

The Mayor: I am devastated by the number of London’s bus drivers who have tragically died after contracting coronavirus. My thoughts go out to everyone who is bearing the loss of family and friends.
Throughout the pandemic, City Hall and Transport for London (TfL) closely followed the Government, World Health Organisation and Public Health England advice. Information and understanding were changing rapidly in March and April 2020 and while others who participated in the radio broadcast may have different views, I remain satisfied TfL and the bus operating companies acted as quickly as possible. Early in the pandemic, measures were taken to adapt protective cab screen and ventilation systems, reduce capacities and front seating on buses, introduce enhanced cleaning regimes, and move to middle door boarding. Bus operators were also assessing their risks locally to reduce the risk from shared spaces and vehicles and implementing controls accordingly. I lobbied for face coverings to be made mandatory on public transport, and as soon as the Government advice changed, we made masks available for all frontline TfL staff.
We commissioned an urgent independent study from the University College London (UCL) Institute of Health Equity in May 2020 to understand the impact of coronavirus on our bus drivers and ensure that we were taking every possible measure to protect our frontline staff. The results showed that a range of factors contributed to the tragic deaths, including the Government’s decision on when to go into lockdown, the presence of underlying health conditions, a driver’s ethnicity and where drivers lived.
All of the decisions that I took in the first half of 2020 were based on protecting and serving our city as best as possible, and based on the prevailing expert health advice. It is with those we have lost in mind that I will continue to do absolutely everything I can to keep transport workers and passengers safe.

Green Diesel (17)

Keith Prince: What assessment has the Mayor made of the potential for drop-in HVO green diesel to replace fossil diesel on transport and non-road mobile machinery (NRMM) so as to improve air quality in and around HS2 construction sites such as those at Euston and Old Oak Common?

The Mayor: Please see my response to Mayor's Question 2021/3861.

The Mayor: Please see my response to Mayor's Question 2021/3861.

Near Misses

Nicholas Rogers: With reference to 2021/2395, you refer to ‘pilot projects’ regarding near misses. Please provide details of these projects.

The Mayor: As part of its commitment to Vision Zero, Transport for London (TfL) regularly reviews opportunities to improve the data it can use to target road risk. A key part of this is to consider leading indicators that may indicate where risk exists on London’s streets, even if there have been no recorded casualties.
Examples of pilot projects TfL has undertaken recently to explore these opportunities include:
Through its Innovation Hub, TfL continues to explore opportunities from market innovators to better utilise data. It has recently conducted a further market sounding exercise to identify partners who may be able to bring forward projects to provide other sources of risk data, with the intention of further improving its understanding of the potential applications of these forms of data.

Green Diesel (10)

Keith Prince: What progress has the Mayor made in implementing the findings of the 2016 Mayor’s Biodiesel Programme report, Cost Benefit Analysis Of Biodiesel Use In Local Authority Fleets?

The Mayor: Please see my response to Mayor's Question 2021/3861.

Public Inquiries (1)

Susan Hall: To date what has been the cost of the Undercover Policing Inquiry to the Met?

The Mayor: As at April 2021 the Met costs for the Undercover Police Inquiry were £37,977,020. This includes police and legal costs.

Green Diesel (12)

Keith Prince: Following his repeated pledges to improve London’s air quality, will the Mayor encourage London’s councils to utilise HVO green diesel in their transport fleets such as refuse lorries and council owned vehicles in place of fossil diesel?

The Mayor: Please see my response to Mayor's Question 2021/3861.

Green Diesel (11)

Keith Prince: When does the Mayor plan to provide guidance to transport and infrastructure bodies concerning replacing fossil diesel with drop-in HVO green diesel following the ambitions and plans set out in his 2016 Biodiesel Programme report, Cost Benefit Analysis Of Biodiesel Use In Local Authority Fleets?

The Mayor: Please see my response to Mayor's Question 2021/3861.

Green Diesel (14)

Keith Prince: Will the Mayor assess to what extent prolonged exposure to poor air quality is impacting the health of construction workers, and whether health outcomes could be improved by replacing fossil diesel with HVO green diesel on sites such as those connected with HS2 in London?

The Mayor: Please see my response to Mayor's Question 2021/3861.

Green Diesel (13)

Keith Prince: What policies is the Mayor supporting to mandate the replacement of fossil diesel with drop-in HVO green diesel in small scale power generators in London’s residential and commercial buildings in the interests of air quality and reducing emissions?

The Mayor: Please see my response to Mayor's Question 2021/3861.

Green Diesel (16)

Keith Prince: Will the Mayor take immediate steps to mandate that all HGVs which use routes in the immediate vicinity of school playgrounds or other youth recreational facilities are obliged to use drop-in HVO green diesel instead of fossil diesel following the recent coroners court ruling concerning Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah in Lewisham?

The Mayor: Please see my response to Mayor's Question 2021/3861.

Green Diesel (15)

Keith Prince: What assessment has the Mayor made of the potential for HVO green diesel to improve air quality at London’s train stations and reduce the emission of particulates caused by idling diesel trains such as at King’s Cross, Marylebone and Paddington stations in the interests of passengers and rail workers?

The Mayor: Please see my response to Mayor's Question 2021/3861.

Tube Noise (1)

Anne Clarke: Please provide an update on any tests or trials underway (anywhere on the Tube or Overground network) that use an alternative dampening method to Pandrol Vanguards (PVs) - in particular, what did the results (noise and vibration levels) show and when are any of these solutions due to be implemented at other locations on the network?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) has trialled the replacement of Pandol Vanguard (PV) with alternative Delkor track fastenings between Baker Street and St John’s Wood on the Jubilee line. Track replacement works started in 2019 and are due to be completed early next year.
Initial results indicate that the Delkor track fastening will offer a similar benefit in terms of limiting residential noise levels, while reducing in-carriage noise in comparison to PV.
TfL will also replace PV with Delkor track fastenings on the northbound track between Pimlico and Victoria, on the Victoria line.
TfL will write to Assembly Members in the coming weeks, to provide a wider update on its continuing work to address Tube Noise, including further information on its trial of Delkor track fastenings.

Ventilation on London Overground, DLR and trams

Caroline Pidgeon: To maximise ventilation and public safety, what steps have been taken to ensure platform facing doors automatically open at every stop for London Overground trains, DLR trains and trams?

The Mayor: Trams, London Overground and Docklands Light Railway (DLR) vehicles within the Transport for London (TfL) fleet typically travel above ground over short distances. Trams are the only rail vehicle within TfL’s fleet where the doors are opened by the driver on arrival at a station, and as such TfL continues to open all doors at tram stations to introduce fresh air and maximise opportunities for ventilation.
The DLR fleet is equipped with openable hopper windows and the doors configured to open at each station when the open-door button is activated by the passenger. During the first lockdown, TfL’s DLR team commissioned a feasibility study to establish the practicalities of reconfiguring the fleet for automatic door opening. The outcome was that the change is not feasible with this fleet.
London Overground (LO) similarly has passenger activated door opening. All LO trains are fitted with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems that provide regular air changes within the vehicle.

Mental Health Support for Staff

Elly Baker: Since restrictions have lifted we have seen an increase in people returning to work. The pandemic, adjusting to a return to work and to travelling to work will have all caused an increase in mental health issues, anxiety and stress for workers across London. If London is to have a healthy recovery out of the pandemic, employers will have to be more understanding about these sorts of issues. How are you ensuring TfL and the GLA family is setting that example for other employers across London and what work are you doing to spread best practice?

The Mayor: As I stated in my response to Mayor’s Question 2021/3248, genuine flexible working can be beneficial for both the employer and the employee, but to be so it must accommodate the needs of workers alongside those of the organisation, to ensure they can plan their life around work.
With my full support, Transport for London (TfL) has launched its New Ways of Working initiative, which seeks to move towards a hybrid working model where employees spend some time working in an office, and some time working at home. Crucially it sought the views of its staff at an early stage and has taken them into account in developing its plans. This has been especially important for those staff members with responsibilities outside of work, such as carers and parents, and those who are more vulnerable, such as older workers, disabled people and those with mental health conditions. Wellbeing has been an important consideration throughout and TfL continues to ensure that support remains in place and is accessible, especially in relation to mental health in what is a uniquely challenging time. Where appropriate, TfL’s contractors have been encouraged to adopt similar measures with their employees.
To help set an example to other employers across London the GLA is spreading good work practice through the My Good Work Standard (GWS), to which the GLA family are all accredited. The GWS models best practice for employers to support workplace well-being. In addition, London’s Recovery Programme is prioritising mental health and wellbeing as one of nine key focus areas, or ‘recovery missions’. The Mental Health and Wellbeing mission is about improving Londoners’ access to support and resources that can benefit their own wellbeing and enable them to have a more active role in supporting the wellbeing of those around them.

Public toilets in TfL stations (3)

Onkar Sahota: Is any work going on with other businesses and organisations to get their toilets included on this map?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) includes other transport operators’ toilet facilities on its maps (e.g. National Rail) and third parties when they are located at TfL stations (e.g. Green Park and Westminster). There are challenges involved in collecting and maintaining information for other business and organisations as they may shut down, change hands or decide to make toilets available only to customers. Many local businesses will also have limited opening hours. TfL asks its station staff to be aware of public toilet facilities in the area local to their station, and to provide information to customers about this if they are asked. Staff can then take into account the time of day and how far the customer can easily walk.

Proof that TfL’s Decision to scale back Staff Safety Visits to Bus Depots was “not taken lightly”

Keith Prince: A 23 July letter from the Deputy Mayor for Transport to a London bus driver clearly states “the scaling back of safety visits was not a decision that was taken lightly” but TfL’s communications appended to Question 2020/1727 show no evidence that any such decision was taken at all. Accordingly, please provide me with all written communication – emails, handwritten notes, decision memorandums – relating directly to TfL’s decision to scale back TfL Staff safety visits to bus depots.

The Mayor: The document provided with the answer to Mayor’s Question 2020/1727 responded to your request for “internal communications mentioning Coronavirus or Covid-19 sent during Jan and Feb 2020”. The first national lockdown was introduced after this on 23 March 2020, instructing people to “stay at home to save lives”.
As set out previously, the legal duty rests with the bus operating companies as the employers to ensure their bus garages are safe places to work.
When the decision was taken for the whole country to go into lockdown in March 2020, all non-essential site activity across Transport for London (TfL) was promptly and safely stopped. This was not unique to bus garage visits. At the time, people were only permitted to leave home for a very limited number of reasons; to shop for basic necessities and collect medicines, to exercise once a day, or to travel to work when they absolutely couldn’t work from home.
Reducing the number of people in the workplace that could pass on the virus was therefore the most sensible step to take. In the absence of physical site visits, assurance was ascertained remotely through phone and video calls. Daily liaison between TfL and the bus operators also ensured a consistent approach was being taken, with any issues able to be promptly discussed and resolved.

LFB as an inclusive employer

Anne Clarke: How will you ensure that the LFB is an attractive and inclusive employer for people from all backgrounds?

The Mayor: Since its Togetherness Strategy was published in July 2020, significant work has been undertaken to build a culture of belonging at London Fire Brigade (LFB) and to make inclusion a central part of behaviours and policies. This ranges from expanding Equality Support Groups, improving the organisation’s approach to Equality Impact Assessments and engaging with the communities the Brigade serves. This work will help to improve the organisation’s approach to equality, diversity and inclusion and to deliver the aims of the Togetherness Strategy. In addition, the forthcoming review of the organisation’s culture will assess the extent the Brigade and its employees have created a culture free from discrimination, unfairness and inequality.

Accessible Tube Network

Elly Baker: What estimate, if any, has TfL made of the cost to get to 50% of all tube stations being fully accessible?

The Mayor: No estimate has been made of the specific cost to make 50 per cent of London Underground stations step-free.
At present, 89 stations on the London Underground network are step-free, and Transport for London’s (TfL’s) current plans will make around 34 per cent of the network step-free by the end of 2022.
Following the huge impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on TfL’s finances and the uncertainty surrounding a long-term funding deal from the Government, TfL has had to reassess the scope of a number of programmes, including accessibility. Additional step-free schemes being explored beyond 2022 are subject to appropriate funding being secured.
However, TfL continues to work with boroughs and developers to identify opportunities to increase the step-free network through third party contributions. TfL is also launching a public consultation in November to understand which aspects of step-free stations are most important to its customers. This information will help identify key stations in any future programme when funding becomes available.

Backlogs in structure examinations within Transport for London

Siân Berry: The 2020 Office of Road and Rail (ORR) annual health and safety report said that there are structure examinations backlogs in most Network Rail regions. Could you provide details of any current backlogs for transport infrastructure owned or overseen by Transport for London (TfL)?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) carries out inspections of its structural assets in accordance with required Health and Safety standards and inspection frequencies.
These inspections are up to date for London Underground, Docklands Light Railway, London Trams and Surface Transport road structures.
TfL is also responsible for the section of the London Overground (LO) East London Line between Dalston Junction and New Cross, and for the stations that are part of the devolved West Anglia routes that serve London Liverpool Street station. Network Rail is responsible for the remainder of the LO.
TfL has recently visually examined the sections under its control and no major defects were identified. There is a slight backlog in the full examinations for a number of these structural assets, all of which are classified as fair and above, according to the TfL State of Good Repair classification. This means that they pose no imminent risk to the operation of the railway. This slight backlog was, in part, due to the pandemic but is mainly due to delays with the procurement process following a change in supplier. TfL has commissioned a new supplier to recover the backlog by June 2022 and the programme has been reprioritised on a risk-based approach.

Playing politics with TfL Bus Safety Data

Keith Prince: In 2019, just after GMB Union published its analysis of 5 Years of TfL Bus Safety Data, TfL delayed publication of this data for an entire year, a point raised in Question 2020/0012.

Then, you stated the reasons for the delay were “due to changes being made to systems that are designed to upgrade the production of reports and improve their timeliness and accuracy in the long term.”

When you were questioned why TfL was again a year behind in publishing this data for 2020 in Question 2021/0559, you stated, “With regards to detailed Bus Safety data, I understand that the delays in publication have largely been due to resource constraints, particularly during 2020 when Transport for London (TfL) quite correctly prioritised its response to the coronavirus pandemic.”

Now, right after GMB Union published its latest analysis of 5 Years of TfL Bus Safety Data as part of a new campaign for you “to look urgently at the private contractors delivering bus services for TfL and remove the link between punctuality and profits”, TfL has removed this downloadable data from its website.

To address concerns that you might be perceived as trying to obstruct independent public scrutiny of the safety of TfL’s bus operation, and given the above order of events, how do you explain the timing of TfL’s decision to (a) delay publication of this quarterly bus safety data in 2019 and 2020 and, recently (b) to remove it altogether from TfL’s website in 2021?

The Mayor: As I explained in my response to Mayor’s Question 2021/0559, the compilation of quarterly bus safety data has historically been a resource-intensive task for Transport for London (TfL), which has resulted in delays to publication during times of peak demand such as the coronavirus pandemic. This is why an improved offering has been put in place.
I can confirm that bus safety data has not been removed from public access by TfL. Bus safety data is now being provided through a business intelligence and reporting tool (Power BI) to enable the public and TfL to make better use of data. This provides benefits such as the ability, at no additional cost, to transform data into reports and dashboards that are easy to use and understand.
The public is now able to access all bus safety data through one access point. This can be found on the Bus Safety Data section of the TfL website here: https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/publications-and-reports/bus-safety-data#on-this-page-2. The entire time series from 2014 onwards can be found in one place, rather than having to collate across numerous Excel spreadsheets to undertake the same analysis. The new dashboard also uses accessible colour palettes and contains alternative text for screen readers.

Police officer investigations (5)

Nicholas Rogers: For each year Oct 16 – Sep 17, Oct 17 – Sep 18, Oct 18 – Sep 19, Oct 19 – Sep 20 and Oct 20 - Sep 21 how many Met police officers have been dismissed for gross misconduct?

The Mayor: The table below shows the number of officers who were dismissed or would have been dismissed for gross misconduct.
Note that the dates correspond to when the hearing was held. The category ‘would have been dismissed’ is added because officers are allowed to resign prior to a misconduct hearing, but the discipline process still continues.
Oct 16 – Sep 17
Oct 17 – Sep 18
Oct 18 – Sep 19
Oct 19 – Sep 20
Oct 20 - Sep 21
Dismissed or Would have been dismissed
52
58
58
55
56

Safety near Carshalton Ponds (1)

Caroline Pidgeon: Will TfL look to install a pedestrian crossing to increase safety, ideally at the point on the A232 where The Greyhound is on the South side and Honeywood is on the North side?

The Mayor: Transport for London is aware of the desire for improved pedestrian facilities and lower traffic speeds in the Carshalton Ponds area and is undertaking a review of this location.
Any future scheme here is subject to future funding availability. The prioritisation of this location - alongside other locations across London – will need to take into account safety and risk data, information on local travel patterns, and area characteristics such as proximity to local schools.

384 bus (1)

Anne Clarke: The recent review into the performance of the new 384 bus route seems to indicate that it is feasible for alternative arrangements to be made to accommodate a bus route back around the Bevan Estate near Cockfosters. Will you press for one of these options to be taken up by TfL to ensure that the residents on that estate have access to bus services? Some parts of the estate are well above the minimum distances they should be from a bus service.

The Mayor: The review undertaken by Transport for London (TfL) outlined a number of options for improving network coverage around the Bevan Estate. Currently, route 384 serves the area and TfL is working with Barnet Council to deliver stops that would reduce the maximum walking distance to a bus stop to 470 metres. TfL has considered options for changing the network to reduce walking distances further but, having taken into account other considerations such as cost, equality impact assessment and forecast demand, these cannot be progressed by TfL at this time.

Sexual offences on the tube

Shaun Bailey: For each year, Aug 2015 to July 2016, Aug 2016 to July 2017, Aug 2017 to July 2018, Aug 2018 to July 2019, Aug 2019 to July 2020 and Aug 2020 to July 2021, how many sexual offences have taken place on tube trains, broken down by line?

The Mayor: Crime data from the British Transport Police (BTP), held by Transport for London (TfL), has been provided for sexual offences on London Underground between August 2015 and July 2021.
The data shows a significant reduction in reported sexual offences during the pandemic with fewer people travelling. Year to date crime data for 2021/22 shows that the Central and Northern lines had the highest number of reported incidents. Overall, we know that sexual offences and sexual harassment are under-reported and a focus of TfL’s work is improving confidence in reporting. While any instance of unwanted sexual behavior is abhorrent, an increase in reporting is encouraging. Unwanted sexual behavior of any kind is completely unacceptable and any incident no matter how minor should be reported to the police.
Tackling sexual offences on public transport remains a priority for TfL, the Metropolitan Police Service and BTP, and concerted action is underway to tackle it. Significant progress has been made in improving confidence in the reporting of sexual offences on public transport by making it easier for victims to report, enhancing police investigation and offender management, and other targeted police activity. This year TfL, with its police partners, will be launching a new sexual harassment campaign across the public transport network, rolling out training for frontline transport staff, as well as continuing to fit Central line trains with CCTV as part of major upgrade works. This all forms part of TfL’s programme to improve the safety of women and girls as they travel in the capital.

The Mayor: 3756 - data attachment.xlsx

Cable car concessions

Unmesh Desai: To continue to encourage GLA staff to cycle and walk to work following relocation to the Crystal, will you consider working with TfL and the Emirates Air line to provide staff with free use of the cable car during commuting hours, given the cable car’s proximity to the Crystal?

The Mayor: There are no specific plans to provide Greater London Authority (GLA) staff with concession fares. However, there is a significant discount available for those choosing to buy 10 journeys in advance, which works out to be only £1.70 per trip.
Additionally, to encourage residents and workers in the local area to cycle to work, the cable car is free to cyclists before 9.30am Monday to Friday, with the exception of bank holidays.

Tube Noise (2)

Anne Clarke: Could you please provide an update on any tests or trials underway (anywhere on the Tube or Overground network) that apply dampening with wooden sleepers - in particular, what do the results show and when can any of these solutions be implemented at other locations on the network?

The Mayor: There are currently no available noise dampening products for use on wooden sleepers that are suitable for installation on the Tube or London Overground network.
This is due to the relatively wide spacing of timber sleepers. Installing an unsuitable track fastening would lead to flex in the rail, which would significantly increase the risk of a derailment and is therefore not an option.

Tube Noise (3)

Anne Clarke: Is there a list of all the locations on the Tube and Overground network where PVs have been installed, indicating the month and year of installation - and, in cases where those PVs have been removed, when that occurred and the reason (if known) for removal?

The Mayor: This information is provided in the table below:
Line
Station From
Station To
Pandrol Vanguard (PV) install date
Central
Wanstead
Leytonstone
Oct-16
Central
Wanstead
Leytonstone
Apr-17
Central
Liverpool Street
Bethnal Green
Jul-16
Central
Leytonstone
Wanstead
Aug-16
Central
Holland Park
Notting Hill Gate
Aug-18
Central
Holland Park
Notting Hill Gate
Aug-16
Central
Holland Park
Shepherds Bush
<2016
Central
Tottenham Court Road
Holborn
Jul-18
Jubilee
Green Park
Bond Street
Dec-17
Jubilee
St John's Wood
Baker Street
Sep-16
Jubilee
Baker Street
St John's Wood
Aug-16
Northern
South Wimbledon
Morden
Jul-17
Northern
Camden Town
Euston
May-17
Northern
Camden Town
Euston
May-18
Northern
Kentish Town
Tufnell Park
Jun-17
Northern
Euston
Camden Town
Mar-18
Northern
Euston
Camden Town
Jul-17
Northern
Camden Town
Kentish Town
Jun-18
Northern
Kentish Town
Camden Town
Aug-18
Northern
South Wimbledon
Colliers Wood
Oct-18
Piccadilly
South Kensington
Gloucester Road
Mar-17
Piccadilly
Earl's Court
Gloucester Road
Feb-17
Piccadilly
Gloucester Road
Earl's Court
Sep-17
Victoria
Vauxhall
Stockwell
Oct-16
Victoria
Stockwell
Vauxhall
Nov-16
Victoria
Stockwell
Vauxhall
Nov-16
Victoria
Vauxhall
Stockwell
Oct-16
Victoria
Pimlico
Victoria
Sep-16
Victoria
King's Cross
Euston
Jun-17
Victoria
Euston
King's Cross
Sep-17
Victoria
Oxford Circus
Warren Street
Jan-17
Victoria
Oxford Circus
Green Park
<2016
PV was removed between Baker Street and St John’s Wood on the Jubilee line as part of a trial of alternative Delkor track fastenings. Track replacement works started in 2019 and are due to be completed early next year.
TfL will next replace PV with Delkor track fastenings on the northbound track between Pimlico and Victoria, on the Victoria line, with the aim of reducing in-carriage noise.

NHS Pressure and the Winter Plan (2)

Onkar Sahota: Are there plans for Firefighters to be abstracted to drive ambulances if London’s NHS is overwhelmed this winter? Are Firefighters able to command ambulances if the need arises?

The Mayor: London Fire Brigade (LFB) continues to support the London Ambulance Service (LAS) in its response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The ambulance driving programme has now responded to over 160,000 incidents. At its peak, the programme had 306 firefighters dispatched to the LAS, with 52 firefighters now currently dispatched. The current arrangement will continue through to 19 December 2021 to support the LAS during winter pressures. During this time both services will explore more sustainable models of support.
Firefighters are unable to 'command' Ambulances, although LFB is exploring ways to improve its Emergency Medical Response training following a recent support project (Operation Braidwood). This move will enhance the current response arrangements and any future collaboration.

Gun licence holders in London

Unmesh Desai: Do you know how many firearms owners in London have accessed mental health services through the NHS in the last 10 years?

The Mayor: The MPS does not hold the requested information. The reason why that information is not held is as follows:

Wellington Road Zebra Crossing

Tony Devenish: Westminster Councillors Robert Rigby and Paul Swaddle have written to me regarding the danger at the zebra crossing which is located on the Wellington Road where it meets Wellington Place. Will you look at what improvements can be made to make it safer for pedestrians, such as the introduction of greater lighting at night?

The Mayor: A site safety inspection will be carried out at this location to establish the efficiency of the current lighting facilities. Subject to the outcome of the inspection, Transport for London will then review options for possible improvements.

Green Roofs

Elly Baker: Following the re-opening of Whitechapel station, complete with a green roof, what plans, if any, do you have to install green roofs on other TfL buildings?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) is committed to installing additional green infrastructure across its estate, as set out in my Transport Strategy and in TfL’s recently published Corporate Environment Plan. In addition to the ongoing trial of five green roof bus shelters in Lewisham, TfL has recently completed a green roof installation at its Train Modification Unit at Acton. Green roofs are planned to be incorporated into London Underground station upgrades at Colindale and Old Street, and TfL is looking into the possibility of incorporating a green roof, or other green infrastructure, into the design of stations on the East London Line, part of the London Overground network.

Mayoral Election voting system

Anne Clarke: Did the Government consult you on their plans to change the voting system for the London Mayor to First Past The Post? If so, what was your response? If not, what would your response be?

The Mayor: No, I was not consulted on the amendment to the Elections Bill introducing a First Past the Post (FPTP) voting system for Mayor of London elections. I do not support the amendment and have written to the Minister responsible to express my concerns.
In the 1998 Greater London Authority referendum Londoners were given the opportunity to vote on the supplementary vote system and they did so overwhelmingly. Supplementary Voting gives electors the chance to put their 'real' first choice first and then pick another candidate they support for their second choice based on who is likely to be the top two candidates. Democracy is about choice, which is why voters can choose to not allocate a second choice.

Public toilets in TfL stations (1)

Onkar Sahota: Most of the toilets on the TfL network are currently behind the gate line and for customers only. Due to the lack of public and accessible toilets across the capital, would you consider having discussions with TfL about providing an option to Londoners of tapping in and out of a station at no cost to use the toilet facilities?

The Mayor: At present, Transport for London (TfL) charges customers who touch in and out at the same station the minimum pay as you go fare from that station. This is designed to discourage fare evasion and to ensure customers touch in and out correctly. In many cases, this charge will be refunded automatically. More information can be found on the TfL website here: https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/how-to-pay-and-where-to-buy-tickets-and-oyster/pay-as-you-go/touching-in-and-out?intcmp=54751#on-this-page-4.
TfL advises staff to allow people who are not travelling through the gateline to use toilets on request. However, this is not always possible, for example if the toilets are not located in the ticket hall. The TfL toilet map https://content.tfl.gov.uk/toilets-map.pdf shows which toilets are on the unpaid side of the gateline in order to enable customers to plan their use of toilet facilities when travelling.

South Western Rail December 2022 timetable changes

Caroline Pidgeon: Will you publish TfL’s submission to the recent consultation on South Western Rail’s timetable changes for December 2022?

The Mayor: Transport for London ’s response to South Western Railway’s timetable changes proposed for December 2022 is attached.

The Mayor: 4044 SWR Dec 2022 timetable consultation attachment.pdf

LFB Community Updates

Anne Clarke: Following MQ 2021/2509, can you outline how the LFB will use established engagement platforms within the boroughs to update residents? Please give examples of the sorts of updates that are being provided.

The Mayor: London Fire Brigade (LFB) uses a range of established engagement platforms to provide updates to residents and other community groups. This includes organising meetings through tenant and residents’ associations, writing articles for newsletters published by local authorities, and disseminating information through community WhatsApp groups. Recent updates and engagement through these channels have included keeping residents informed after incidents such as the New Providence Wharf fire in May, sharing specific safety advice, and promoting the consultation on the Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP). This included working with deafPLUS to make a British Sign Language (BSL) produced video which was developed to share the CRMP consultation and invitation to a deaf and hard of hearing CRMP consultation workshop.

Great British Railways Transition Team

Elly Baker: What discussions, if any, has TfL had with the Great British Railways Transition Team regarding the implementation of the Williams-Shapps Review?

The Mayor: Transport for London has had regular contact with the Great British Railways Transition Team. It met representatives from this team most recently on 12 October to understand their approach to phasing the required reforms as well as their current areas of focus. These discussions remain at an early stage.

LFB Community Forums

Anne Clarke: Following MQ 2021/2953, can you update me on the establishment of the community forums?

The Mayor: The scoping work to understand the community appetite for London Fire Brigade (LFB) to establish a community forum has now taken place, with the feedback being that a forum should be set up. The forum will act as a sounding board and to bring the views of underrepresented communities to the Brigade’s decision-making processes. The Brigade is now taking forward proposals to set up a steering committee, made up of external appointees, to ensure that the forum is accountable and transparent.

London Cable Car (2)

Len Duvall: Is the London Cable Car at a point where it is financially self-sufficient?

The Mayor: The London Cable Car has covered its operating and maintenance costs, with the exception of 2020/21 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The current Transport for London forecast expects it to continue to cover its operating and maintenance costs into the future.

Crossrail 2 Safeguarding

Elly Baker: What discussions have you had with the DfT on the need to update the 2015 Safeguarding Directions in order that they reflect the changes to the scheme following public consultation, engagement and design development over the last six years?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) has been in regular contact with the Department for Transport (DfT) to discuss the Crossrail 2 safeguarding position and associated timeframes for updating the directions. However, the decision to update is ultimately a Ministerial one, and this is awaited. TfL remains committed to seeking updates to the 2015 directions and is in the process of arranging a further meeting with the DfT to continue discussions about progress and next steps.

Jacobs Project Representative reports

Caroline Pidgeon: When Crossrail is completed will consideration be given to removing the redactions from the Jacobs’ Project Representative reports?

The Mayor: Yes, Transport for London will consider this at the appropriate time.

Impact of tube noise on tube drivers

Krupesh Hirani: Has there been any work or assessment looking into the impact of excessive tube noise on TfL train drivers?

The Mayor: Yes. Transport for London (TfL) carries out annual checks on in-cab noise levels on all lines, and these all remain within current Health & Safety Executive (HSE) limits. TfL is also planning to resume more regular in-cab readings in known ‘hotspot’ areas, which were paused due to the Covid-19 pandemic. TfL also holds regular discussions on this issue with trade unions representatives.
TfL carries out regular grinding which helps to limit in-cab noise levels, with a significant amount of noise and vibration-related rail grinding carried out in the last six months (over 14,600 metres of rail).
In addition, TfL has trialled the replacement of Pandol Vanguard (PV) track fastenings, which may worsen in-carriage noise, with alternative Delkor track fastenings between Baker Street and St John’s Wood on the Jubilee line. Initial results indicate that the Delkor track fastening will offer a similar benefit in terms of limiting residential noise levels, while reducing in-carriage noise in comparison to PV. TfL will nextreplace PV withDelkortrack fastenings on the northbound track between Pimlico and Victoria,on the Victoria line.

Police Safer Neighbourhood Team Numbers in Harrow

Krupesh Hirani: How many Safer Neighbourhood Team officers have been employed in Harrow on average in each of the last five years?

The Mayor: Every ward in London is assigned at least two Dedicated Ward Officers and one Police Community Support Officer (PCSO), and this information is available from February 2019 onwards.
The table below shows the number of Full Time Equivalent DWOs and PCSOs in Harrow as of March in each of the last three years. It is not possible to provide directly comparable data for the previous two years.
Date
DWOs
PCSOs
March 2019
42.6
18.7
March 2020
40.4
19.7
March 2021
50.6
21.8

Police Safer Neighbourhood Team Numbers in Brent

Krupesh Hirani: How many Safer Neighbourhood Team officers have been employed in Brent on average in each of the last five years?

The Mayor: Every ward in London is assigned at least two Dedicated Ward Officers and one Police Community Support Officer (PCSO), and this information is available from February 2019 onwards.
The table below shows the number of Full Time Equivalent DWOs and PCSOs in Brent as of March in each of the last three years. It is not possible to provide directly comparable data for the previous two years.
Date
DWOs
PCSOs
March 2019
40.7
16.6
March 2020
43.7
18.8
March 2021
55.7
19.8

National Infrastructure and Construction Pipeline (2)

Elly Baker: The Infrastructure and Projects Authority’s “Analysis of the National Infrastructure and Construction Pipeline 2021” document says that “Key parts of our transport network serve as international travel ‘hubs’ for the whole of the country. For various geographic reasons, many of these are concentrated in London, the South East and the East of England. Transport spending that supports travel to and from these ‘hubs’ benefits the whole country through the international travel and trade that it helps facilitate.” Would you agree that Crossrail 2 falls into this class of spending and will you continue to make the case for Crossrail 2 in your discussions with Government?

The Mayor: In January 2021, Transport for London (TfL) published its Financial Sustainability Plan, which outlined how major growth schemes such as Crossrail 2, Bakerloo Line Extension and Sutton Tramlink, while still important to London, were no longer an immediate priority. However, with funding these growth schemes could continue to be progressed.
A large part of the benefits case for Crossrail 2 relates to improving connectivity within London and the south-east and thereby providing better access to and from international travel hubs. Crossrail 2 continues to be a long-term priority for me, as outlined in the Mayor's Transport Strategy and London Plan. It is for this reason why TfL stands ready to re-safeguard Crossrail 2 based on its latest proposals once it receives Ministerial direction from the Department for Transport (DfT).

Non-Running Tube Services

Tony Devenish: Please provide a full list of all the weekend Tube services that London Underground has failed to run, with the reasons, during 2021.

The Mayor: Colleagues at London Underground (LU) have worked tirelessly to operate the maximum service possible throughout the pandemic. Thousands of trips are timetabled daily and so headline data has been collated. In calendar year 2021 to date, the average weekend service operated has been 79.8 per cent, so 20.2 per cent of journeys failed to run. This has been due to a combination of several factors:
The attached file provides a weekly breakdown for this calendar year from 27 December 2020 to 28 August 2021 of the average LU services operated.

The Mayor: 3803 Weekend non-running LU services.xlsx

Sandilands Inquest Decision

Neil Garratt: You have long been on the public record supporting the Hillsborough families' 25 year effort to overturn the verdict of the Hillsborough Inquest. With the controversy surrounding the recent decision on the Sandilands Inquest (well documented by former TfL Board Director and Safety Panel Chair Michael Liebreich in his letter to Attorney General Michael Ellis), why have you not made any public statement in support of the Sandilands families’ public protests about the inquest decision?

The Mayor: A representative of five of the bereaved families has written to the Attorney General asking him to make a decision using powers under section 13 of the Coroners Act 1988 to apply to the High Court for an order seeking a fresh inquest.That is a legal matter which rests with the Attorney General and whose decision is awaited.
Transport for London (TfL) and I will never forget the seven people who lost their lives in the Sandilands tragedy - Dane Chinnery, Donald Collett, Robert Huxley, Philip Logan, Dorota Rynkiewicz, Philip Seary and Mark Smith. I know that the Inquests have been deeply distressing for their families and friends and all those involved. TfL continues to offer support to everyone affected.
TfL is committed to doing all it can to ensure that an incident like this never happens again. I share this sentiment.

TfL’s Failure to honour RAIB’s Request for IA 16767

Neil Garratt: In your response to 2021/3726 you state, "Having been provided with the Terms of Reference it is understood that the RAIB chose not to examine the audit further because an incomplete audit report was considered by the RAIB to be of limited evidential value given that the RAIB's own investigation into the same topics was ongoing.”

What documentary evidence can you provide to support TfL’s ‘understanding' of RAIB’s position?

The Mayor: The understanding referred to formed part of the evidence given at the Inquests by the Chief Inspector of Rail Accidents.

Green Diesel (8)

Keith Prince: What policies is the Mayor supporting to mandate the replacement of fossil diesel with HVO green diesel for local authority school bus fleets?

The Mayor: Please see my response to Mayor's Question 2021/3861.

Green Diesel (8)

Keith Prince: What policies is the Mayor supporting to mandate the replacement of fossil diesel with HVO green diesel for local authority school bus fleets?

The Mayor: Please see my response to Mayor's Question 2021/3861.

Green Diesel (2)

Keith Prince: What plans has the Mayor got to introduce and mandate HVO green diesel in place of fossil diesel on all TfL bus fleets in order to slash diesel particulate emissions as highlighted in the new report, commissioned by the GLA - “Investigating links between air pollution, COVID-19 and lower respiratory infectious diseases”?

The Mayor: Please see my response to Mayor's Question 2021/3861.

Green Diesel (3)

Keith Prince: Will the Mayor mandate HVO green diesel instead of fossil diesel across all TfL bus fleets for the rest of their operating lives alongside his plan not to procure any new diesel buses for TfL?

The Mayor: Please see my response to Mayor's Question 2021/3861.

Green Diesel (1)

Keith Prince: What measures is the Mayor proposing in light of the conclusions in the new report, commissioned by the GLA “Investigating links between air pollution, COVID-19 and lower respiratory infectious diseases” concerning the need to replace polluting fossil diesel with HVO green diesel across TfL fleets?

The Mayor: Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is a potential alternative to mineral diesel fuel providing benefits for air quality, climate change and the waste management industries.
However, HVO, like all biofuel, does not achieve as much for air quality as moving to a higher engine emissions standard. For this reason, HVO is not supported as an air quality intervention. Instead, my policies such as the Low Emission Zone (LEZ), Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM) focus on improving the engine emissions control standard.Similarly, for our fleets, my policies focus on shifting to zero emission technologies as quickly as possible, rather than promoting biofuels. Currently, about 12 per cent of the entire Greater London Authority (GLA) Group fleets are zero emission capable, including both Electric Vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen-fueled, with that number increasing rapidly.
The 2016 Cost-Benefit Analysis of Biodiesel in Local Authority Fleets report identified several potential benefits of biodiesel for CO2 reduction. Whilst HVO has been shown to offer reductions in lifecycle CO2-equivalent emissions approaching 90 per cent, when compared with mineral diesel fuel, the pathway in London is towards zero emission electric and hydrogen technology. Principal obstacles to the use of HVO are the high cost of the fuel relative to mineral diesel, adding to vehicle operator costs. This is something that recent increases in the price of energy needed to process HVO will aggravate. Also, there is a limited supply of HVO product since the feedstock is from waste or by-products of other processes that exist in limited quantities.
HVO has been associated with waste management since some of the feedstock can come from used cooking oil, whilst much also comes from palm-oil pulp. There are a variety of waste streams that utilise used cooking oil, including HVO production, and this can continue to form part of London’s shift towards becoming a zero-carbon city.
As a result, there is currently no plan to convert the Transport for London bus fleet, or other GLA controlled fleets, to HVO. The are also no further plans to promote the use of Biodiesel in Local Authority Fleets.

Green Diesel (6)

Keith Prince: When did the Mayor last meet with TfL to discuss and examine the replacement of fossil diesel with drop-in HVO green diesel across London’s diesel powered bus fleets in the interests of improving Londoners’ air quality and reducing emissions?

The Mayor: Please see my response to Mayor's Question 2021/3861.

Green Diesel (7)

Keith Prince: What policies is the Mayor supporting to mandate the replacement of fossil diesel with drop-in HVO green diesel across London’s diesel-powered bus fleets in order to support better air quality for TfL bus and depot employees?

The Mayor: Please see my response to Mayor's Question 2021/3861.

Green Diesel (4)

Keith Prince: Has the Mayor lobbied the Government to amend the definition of “inland waterway vessel” in the Energy Act 2004 to allow biofuel suppliers to claim RTF Certificates on biofuel supplied to ferries operating solely on UK inland waterways such as the River Thames?

The Mayor: Please see my response to Mayor's Question 2021/3861.

Green Diesel (5)

Keith Prince: When did the Mayor last meet with operators of Thames ferry operators to discuss how the sector can reduce its net greenhouse gas emissions by replacing fossil diesel with HVO green diesel?

The Mayor: Please see my response to Mayor's Question 2021/3861.

London Overground Chingford Branch

Sem Moema: What impact has TfL’s funding situation had on the improvements to the branch of the London Overground from Liverpool St to Chingford?

The Mayor: Transport for London does not currently have any plans to undertake further improvements on this route, having recently re-equipped the line with its first brand new rolling stock since 1960.

Glyphosate Use by Network Rail on London Overground

Sem Moema: Can you update me on Network Rail’s use of glyphosate and their plans to reduce its use on the London Overground branches from Liverpool St, Gospel Oak-Barking and Highbury & Islington-Stratford which run through my constituency?

The Mayor: Network Rail has been working to improve both the way it manages vegetation on railway land and the way it consults with local communities.This includes working with the relevant regulators to develop solutions to reduce the application rates of glyphosate to maintain a safe and reliable railway as well as investigating new and emerging technologies.
Whilst there is no regulatory requirement for Network Rail to stop the use of glyphosate, the volume being applied to the trackside nationwide has been reduced by more than 25 per cent over the past decade by operational improvements. In addition, Network Rail is actively encouraging its supply chain and stakeholders to help to tackle this challenge and present solutions for consideration. More information is available here: https://www.networkrail.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Challenge-Statement-Environrment-Vegetation.pdf.
I understand you have contacted Network Rail’s Anglian route directly to discuss vegetation management in your constituency.Officers have confirmed they are happy to host such a meeting to further explore herbicide application and their vegetation management strategy in more detail.

Bus Contracts and Consultations (3)

Len Duvall: Can you confirm that consultations on changes to bus routes will only happen after the period for contract renewal?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) consults on structural changes to bus services. Many such changes are made at contract renewal and in those cases, TfL consults before contract renewal so the outcome of the consultation can be taken into account. Structural changes can also be made mid-contract and, in those cases, TfL will consult at the appropriate time rather than waiting for contract renewal.

Recruitment into the LFB

Anne Clarke: How does the LFB work to promote from within the ranks rather than hire from outside the brigade into higher roles?

The Mayor: Promotion opportunities for all staff groups are advertised on London Fire Brigade’s (LFB)intranet and the Brigade’s website. Workshops and Q&A sessions are held for staff to give as much information as possible to those interested in applying. Underrepresented groups, in particular, are encouraged to apply and are targeted through Equality Support Groups.
In addition, LFB is finalising guidance that will be available to all internal operational staff to ensure they have access to information on when promotion opportunities arise, and the assessment processes, to enable staff to prepare accordingly.
The Brigade’s Programme of leadership development is designed to increase skills and competence which enables staff to apply for promotional opportunities. The First Line Leadership Programme has already commenced and arrangements for progressing a Middle Management Leadership Programme are currently being agreed.

Green Diesel (9)

Keith Prince: What estimation has the Mayor made of how London’s air quality and emissions would improve if non-road mobile machinery (NRMM) and diesel road vehicles used green HVO drop-in diesel instead of fossil diesel?

The Mayor: Please see my response to Mayor's Question 2021/3861.

Shoplifting

Andrew Boff: What action is being taken to address the shoplifting epidemic in Holloway?

The Mayor: I have been notified by the MPS that their records show that there were 62 such offences reported in the last 12 months, an increase of 11 from the previous year.
The MPS recognises that retail theft is under-reported and is working with town centre mangers and Islington Community Safety Teams to improve this. Neighbourhood Policing Teams regularly attend town centre meetings to provide advice, share information and forge closer relationships with the business community.
There are both local and nationalBusiness Crime Centres, staffed by the police, who provide tailored advice to help better protect stores from retail crime.In 2017, MOPAChelped to fund the creation ofthe National Business CrimeCentre which provides an online platform with access to free resources.
The MPS alsohoststhe Business Crime Hub whichsupportsthe business communityin Londonthrough partnership, problem solving and crime prevention activity.Along with providing advice directly store managers and their staff, the BCH can help businesses connect with their local Business Crime Reduction Partnership.

Harassment

Emma Best: For each year Oct 16 – Sep 17, Oct 17 – Sep 18, Oct 18 – Sep 19, Oct 19 – Sep 20 and Oct 20 - Sep 21 please provide a breakdown of the total number of harassment offences and how many victims were women.

The Mayor: Please see attached the requested information. The supplied notes page and documentation should be read in conjunction with this to aid in interpretation.

The Mayor: 3855_Harassment (1).xlsx

Improving ventilation on TfL services

Caroline Pidgeon: Will you instruct TfL to actively publicise the importance of adjustable windows being kept open on buses and trains to improve ventilation and reduce transmission of Covid-19?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) is already publicising this important message. It is actively promoted and highlighted on buses with stickers and posters noting “Our services are well ventilated with fresh air, but please continue to keep windows open on buses.” Good ventilation is also important in TfL stations and on trains, with ventilation systems and frequently opening doors ensuring that fresh air circulates. TfL reassures its customers by promoting this message via radio, a Metro newspaper cover wrap, and digital outdoor posters across the city, and it continues to be included in email campaigns sent to TfL’s customers that relate to buses and in its weekend emails which go to several million customers.